Daniel Barbarisi has a ProJo article in which he discusses what the Boston lineup looks like

as the Red Sox evolve from the Manny-Ortiz home run duo to a top-to-bottom, grinding lineup.

This is bizarre. Haven't we been hearing about the 1-to-9 grinders for at least five years? Hell, we heard that back in the dark pre-Tito years when the Pro was batting 7th and 8th?

Julio Lugo begins a week of workouts in Florida today. Mark Kotsay is scheduled to face live pitching next weekend.

Some Red Sox players (Jason Bay, Mike Lowell) had little beef about last night's home plate umpire Bob Davidson. Jason Varitek had no comment. David Ortiz: "Wow. That's all I've got to say. Wow. You can make your own comment on it."

I hate Garza. Him and his auto-pilot-spitting-1000-times-a-mintue. It's vile the way he spits. I don't usually mind ballplayers spitting, whatever right? But this motherfucker drags his front teeth along his tongue to gather his cotton mouth spittle before projecting it from his gob. It kinda drives me fucking crazy.

Well, I liked him. I don't know why they let him go. In 2007 O'Brien only did a handful of games during the season and I didn't like the guy they used when O'Brien was doing ESPN games. I've banged on about this for awhile, but I wish Trupiano would have been allowed to stay. But I wasn't asked. Everyone has their opinions on him.

i'm in the clear minority, but i can pretty much take or leave castig too. the two of them were insufferable, but i can deal with castig & whoever now, for the most part (unless he starts in on college sports, then i flip out).

You'd think sitting here with the window open at 63° out a bright, beautiful April afternoon watching a Red Sox game would make me very happy. Well, not only is this a really boring game but it's windy and dry out too. 18% humidity plus a stiff breeze... Well, try driving and holding your hand out the window at 63°... Your hand will get cold.

Hi all, still stuck with the netbook which makes it impossible to type. But here watching Tek fly out. Boo. Hope everyone is well. I am also in the midst of Passover, so cannot stick around. Hope things turn around in this game.

That's what I always enjoy about Passover also--the whole anti-oppression liberation story. Somehow these days that gets lost these days. My brother-in-law's seder is very traditional and virtually all Hebrew; my parents is chaotic and fun, but hardly inspiring!

Joe I think I'd rather play the Habs first round because the Rangers are just beginning to turn it on at the right time. Plus the Bruins have owned Montreal this season. Seven game series is not real fun sounding but they seem like the easier opponent right now.

Ish - if you're looking for something to watch between games tonight, check out ESPN2 - the Bemidji State Beavers of Destiny continue their improbable Frozen For run against Miami (OH). Probably the best Underdog Story Nobody's Ever Heard Of in sports right now.

rays are selling tix to an upcoming homestand called "championship week". they are playing the yankees and white sox."

Isn't that just referring to the fact that it's the week in which they celebrate last year's AL championship? I know the Phillies had several days of events--they didn't get their rings till day 3 I think.